Separator



Aug. 18, 1925.

K. W. GALE SEPARATOR Filed A l, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 gr mwnloz Rumm- W-GALI Aug. 18, 1925.

K. W. GALE SEPARATOR s Sheets- Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 1, 1923 KNIGHT W.GALE

K. W. GALE Aug. 18, 92s.

' SEPARATOR Filed Aug. 1,.1923 3 Shuts-5115s; s

KNIGHT wane,

Patented Aug. 18, 1925.

nnrenr w. GALE, or Los antennas; CALIFORNIA.

SEPARATOLR.

Application filedAugust 1, 1923. Serial No. 655,037.

To all whom ii/ may concern.

Be it known that I, KNIGHT GALE, a citizen of the United States, resldmg at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles and State of California, have invented new anduseful Improvements in Separators, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to apparatus for separating solids from liquids, especially adapted for treating crushed ore slimes or pulps and for separating metal particles from the gangue; and partioularlypertains to a centrifugal separator for working value-bearing ores such as those containing gold, silver, and other metals.

An object of my invention is to provide means for concentrating and separating fine metalparticles by stratifying the same according to their specific gravities and cansing the metal particles of'diffcrent gravities or values to continuously pass off and be separately collected.

Another object is to provide means for separating the gang-ue from the valuable metals and remove the tailings while the metals are separating.

Another object is to provide a separating mechanism whereby various separating actions maybe accomplished with a single apparatus according to the character of the material beingworked and the results sought.

Another object is to provide a means in an apparatus of the above character for readily affording asfine adjustment of the separator to accommodate it to the treatment of variousmaterials, anchw'hereby a thorough separating action may be economically effected.

lVith the foregoing objects in. View, together with such other objects and advantages as may subsequently appear, my in vention resides in the parts and the construction; arrangen'xent and combination of parts, or the equivalents thereof, hereinafter described and claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a view in vertical section, partly in elevation, of the separator.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view as seen on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical crossseetional view taken on the same plane as Figure 1 of a portion of the separator, showing the manner of'efiecting the separating 'Cf-lOl l.

Figure 4 is a diagram of the electric control elements arranged to clearly show their relation to the parts controlled.

Figure 5 is a diagram of the electro-mechanical control mechanism.

Figure 6 is a detail in vertical section similar to that shown in Figure 3 illustrating the parts in the starting position.

Figure 7 is a detail in elevation as seen on the line 77 of Figure 6, on a reduced scale Figure 8 is a detail in elevation showing a portion of the interior of a rilile ring as seen on the line 88 of Figure 3 in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Referring to. the drawings more specifically, 10 indicates a stratiiier embodying a revoluble receptacle having annular flaring side walls 11 and a-bottom wall 12, which receptacle is designed to be rotated on a vertical axis and for which purpose is here shown as carried on the upper end of a shaft 13 to which is secured a pulley 14 driven by a bolt 15; The shaft 13 is supported in conventional manner on a suitable base 16. Journaled on the shaft 13 is a sleeve 17 carrying a plurality of upwardly extending posts 18 secured at their upper ends to a ring 19, the topface of which ring isoutwardly andvdownwardly inclined. The sleeve 17 forms a pulley that may be driven by a belt 20 whereby the frame formed by the posts 18 may be rotated independently of the stratifier. The posts 18 are outwardly inclined to extendsubstantially parallel to the walls 11 of the stratifier and carry a plurality of superposed loose rings 21, 22, 23, and 24 constituting annular rifiles which rings are revolubly supported on wheels 25 mounted onstub shafts 26 fastened on the posts. A series of horizontally mounted wheels 27 are rotatably carried on shafts 28 supported in'lugs 29 provided on the sides of the posts 18, and which wheels 27 bear on theouter walls ofthe loose rilfle rings and constitute side thrust bearings to centralize the rings.

Each rifiie ring is formed at its upper edge with an outwardly extending flange 30, the

under face of which bears on the wheels 25 whereby the ritlie rings are adapted to turn circumferentially. By the construction just described the stratifier and frame may be rotated independently of each other, with the ritile rings floating therebetween; the rings however being adapted to revolve relatively to either the stratifier or the frame or in unison therewith on rotation of the stratiiier or frame as will be later described.

The rotary frame is mounted for vertical movement relatively to the stratifier and for which purpose. the sleeve 17 is revolubly supported on a base plate 31 mounted for vertical movement on the shaft 13, there being antifriction bearings 32 interposed between the sleeve 17 and the base plate 31. The base plate 31 rests on a bell crank 33 pivotally mounted on a pivot 34 on standards 35 projecting from the base 16. A. screw 36 extends from the standard 35 on which is threaded a hand wheel 37 that is designed to hear at all times on a yoke 38 formed on the lower end of the bell crank. The upper end of the bell crank is formed with a yoke 39 which extends between lugs 4-0 on the base plate 31 and holds the plate against rotation.

The wall 11 of the stratifier 10 is preferably built up in sections from the bottom 12 by a set of superposed flaring rings having walls inclined outwardly at an angle to a vertical plane, the rings being welded together at their adjacent edges at several points around the circumference thereof as indicated at 41 and spaced apart between the joined portions to form the stratifier with a series of circumferentially extending slots 42 at different levels in the stratifier, there being a slot or plurality of slots opposite the inner periphery of each ritiie ring. The slots 42 serve as discharge outlets for concentrates from the stratifier when in operation, as will later appear.

Formed on the outer face of the wall 11 and extending along the upper and lower edges of the slots 42 are flanges 43 and 44 (see Figure 6), the upper flange 43 being provided with teeth L5 which are continued into teeth 46 extending upwardly on the exterior of wall 11, the purpose of which will appear hereinafter. The lower flange 4% is formed with a smooth inclined outer face 47 which aligns with the lower edge of the upper flange 43. The inside wall of each riiile ring has an inclined face 48 extending from the bottom edge of the ring to substantially half its height, which face is parallel to the inclined outer face of the flange 44 and is adapted to be brought into contact therewith, as will be later described. The upper inner portion of the ring is formed with a recessed vertical wall 49. which extends opposite to the slots 4-2 and projects upwardly thereabove and opposite the teeth 4-5Z CG to form with the wall 11 an annular pocket or trough 50 adapted to receive the materials discharged through the slots of the stratifier.

Formed on the wall 49 is a series of in clined ribs 51 which serve as plows to agitate materials in the trough 50 on rotation of the rings and stratifier relative to each other.

Encircling the rotary frame and extending around and adjacent each rifile ring and adjacent the top of the stratifier, is a pinrality of superposed circular inclined aprons 52 having collecting troughs 53 fixed thereto provided with drain conduits 5 leading therefrom. The aprons 52 are supported by a cylindrical casing 55 in which are openings 56 through which the concentrates delivered to the aprons may fall to the col lection troughs exteriorly of the casing.

Extending downwardly into the stratifier is a feed pipe 57 the lower end of which opens adjacent to the bottom wall 12 of the stratifier. The feed pipe is carried by any suitable support being here shown as fitted with a collar 58 seating on a cover 59 carried on the casing 55.

Means are provided whereby the rifi'le rings may be caused to revolve on rotation of either the stratifier or the frame; that is, to be driven in some instances from the stratifier and in other instances from the frame, and by which the rings may be driven either at a speed corresponding to or differing from that of the stratiiier or frame and whereby the rings may be caused to revolve at different speeds relatively to each other, or whereby either one or more of the rings may be held stationary relatively to the stratifier, or to the frame. This means is here shown as comprising two groups of magnets arranged relatively to each ring, there being a series of magnets, (a, Z), 0, cl carried on the rings 21, 22, 23, and 24, respectively and adapted when energized to magnetically connect the rings to the stratifier; and there being a series of magnets A, B, C and D carried by the posts 18 and adapted when energized to magnetically connect the rings 21, 22, 23, and 2 1, respectively to the rotary frame. A series of conductor bands 61, 62, 63 and 64 are carried by the posts 18 and are arranged to be contacted by brush contacts 65 connected to one terminal of the magnets a, b, c, and d, the other terminals of which magnets are grounded to the rifiie rings as indicated at (36. The several conductor bands are electrically connected to one terminal of a bat-- tery G7, the other terminal of which battery leads to ground in such manner that a circuit may be completed through the magnets (a, Z), 0, and (Z. The electrical connections between the conductor bands 61, (32, 63, and 64 and the battery consist of conductors e, f, g, and h leading from the several bands to contact rings 2', j, is, and Z, and which rings are insulated from each other and are supported on a horizontal annular plate 68 carried by the posts 18. Brush wipers m, a, o, p bear on the contact rings 6, j, it, E and connect with conductors g, r, s, and L leading through rheostats a, e, w and a, connecting with a conductor g leading to battery 67. The cores of the magnets a, b, c and (Z extend adjacent the outer surface the wall 11 of the stratilier.

The magnets A, B, C and D carried iy the posts 18 are arranged with their cores extending adjacent the outer surfaces of the rillle rings and are spaced therefrom. One terminal of these magnets is grounded to the posts 18 in electrical connection with the ground of battery 67. lhe electrical connections between the magnets Er, B, C and D and the battery 6'? consist of conductors E, F, G, and H leading from the mag-- nets to contact rings 1, J, K and L which rings are insulated from each other and aresupported on the annular plate carried by the posts 18. Brush wipers M, N, O and P bear on the contact rings E, F, G and H and connect with conductors Q, R, S and T leading through rheostats U, V, W and X and through conductor Y to bat tery 67.

A third set of electromagnets 71 is supported on a bracket 72, the cores of which magnets face the plate 68 on the posts 18 and are spaced therefrom. One terminal of magnets 71 is grounded on the bracket 72;

the other terminal connecting with battery 67 through a conductor 2 leading to conductor Y through a rheostat Z. The magnets 71 are energized to retard or inhibit rotation ofthe frame.

in the operation of the invention the sleeve 17 with the parts carried thereby is raised by means of the hand wheel so as to cause the rifile rings 21, 22, 23 and st to be positioned with their inclined walls 48 extending over and closing the discharge slots 42 as shown in Figure 6.

The materials to be treated, in the form of pulp, are delivered to the receptacle or stratilier 10 through tne feed pip-e 57 which discharges below the lowermost row of slots 42 as shown in Figure 1. The magnets a, l), 0 and (Z, and magnets A, B, C and D are then fully energized so as to effect a magnectic connection between the stratilier and the rotary frame through the riiiie rings;

the magnets a, b, c and cl acting to hold the rings against turning relatively to the stratL lier and the magnets: A, B, C and D holding the rings in engagement with the rotary fra 'ie. Initial operation is then effected by rotating the stratifier by means of the belt 15 and pulley 14 acting on shaft 13, and if desired the belt 20 may be also driven to assist rotation of the frame which then travels. in unison with the stratilier, but in some instances driving of belt 20 at this time may not benecessa-ry. In some cases only the magnets a, b, 0 and (Z need be energized to elfect engagement between the stratifier and rings in which event rotation of the stratifier will cause the rings to turn therewith and travel on the wheels 25 with the frame stationary or nearly so.

Gn rotation of the st *atifier a centrifugal action will be set up which will cause the pulp therein to travel outward to the wall 11 and thence upward over the inclined inner face of the wall as indicated by the arrows in Figure 1. lhe solids in the pulp will accumulate against the wall 11 and will creep upward thereon and will form in layers or strata according to their specific gravities with the heavier particles against the wall and the lighter particles forming in strata progressively toward the vertical center of the stratilier, according to the speed-of rotation of the stratifier and the volume of the pulp fed thereto. The liquid will flow to the top of the stratiiier and will be discharged therefrom into the uppermost trough 53 and be delivered to any suitable point of discharge. Some solids may be dis charged with the liquid which can be regulated by varying the speed of rotation of the stratifier.

When a sufficient quantity of solids has accumulated on the wall of the stratifier, the frame carrrying the rings is lower d after deenergizing the magnets a, b, 0 and (Z and effecting rotation of the frame at a speed substantially corresponding to that of the stratifier with the magnets A, B, C and D energized so that the rings will travel with the frame. This lowering of the frame and rings opens the discharge slots 42 as shown in Figures 1 and 8, whereupon the heavier solids lying immediately against the wall 11 and in the slots 42 will be discharged into the trough 50 between the rilile rings and the stratifier.

The troughs may be filled in this manner and when filled to the top the continued pressure of the solids passing through the slots will force the solids upwardly and outwardly on the upper edge of the rings and into the collecting troughs 53 from whence they are gathered or delivered to a suitable point of discharge.

By adjusting the frame vertically the dis charge areas of the slots l2 may be varied from a fully closed to a fully opened condition 550 as to regulate the discharge of the materials through the slots.

The heavier particles in the stratifier will be delivered to the lowermost riflle ring 21 and the lighter particles will be delivered progressively to the rifile rings 22, 23, and 24, thus: effecting the separation of several grades of the solids.

Various actions may be cllected according to the character of the materials being worked and according to the speed at which the st 'atilier is rotated. For example, when it is desirec to collect but one kind of material in the several riflle rings, the stratilier is rotated at high speed and the pulp or slimes are led to the stratifier in such volume that the heavier particles will be thrown to the sides of the stratilier and be discharged through the several superposed slots.

Variations in the sci .rating actions of the apparatus is accomplished by varying the relative movement of the stratifior and the ritlle rings. For example, should it be desired to retard the discharge from any one of the rillle rings and accordingly retard the passage of material through the row of slots feeding to the ring, the ing is caused to turn at a slower speed than that or the stratitier which is eli'ected by decreasing the energization of the magnets on the ring so that a slip will occur between the stratiier and the ring; the ring lagging when the magnets thereon not sulliciently energised to hold the ring fixed in relation to the stratiiier. By thus retarding the ring, the cei'rtrilngal action thereoi tending to eject materials therefrom, is reduced, and liu'thermore, the stratilier then having a great r peripheral speed, the materials carried in the trough 50 will be moved in the direction of the downward inclination ot the ribs 51 and thereby be further obstructed. By holding the rotary frame stationary, as by energizing the magnets 71, and then energizing the magnets A B C or D opposite the ring to be retarded, this ring may be held stationary in relation to the stratilier.

If it is desired to accelerate the discharge oi? the material from a rifiie ring and thereby ellect a more rapid How of the materials from the stratificr through the row of slots opposite the ring, the ring is caused to rotate in the direction of rotation of the stratifier at a speed exceeding that of the stratifier. This is effected by rotating the frame at a speed greater than that of the stratitier and then deenergizing the magnets a, Z), c, or d on the selected ring and energizing the magnet A B C or D on the frame which will magnetically connect the ring to the frame so that the ring will turn with the latter. lhe increased speed of the ring will augment its centrifugal action on the materials therein and thereby hasten their discharge. Furthermore, the materials will then be caused to more relatively to the ring in the direction of the upward inclination of the rios, which ribs vill then act to plow the materials and direct them upwardly to dis charge.

When the stratifier is turned relatively to a ring the teeth will act to agitate the materials so as to prevent caking or pacln ing in the riftle ring troughs.

ly operating the rheostats the several magnets may be energized or deenergized to a varied :ztent, so to cause one set of magnets to be energized more than either of the remaining sets of magnets.

It will now be seen that I have provided a separator which is capable of extremely line adjustment, as the discharge from any of the outlets of the centrifugal stratifier may be regi ated to control the discharge of materials therefrom to any desired extent, from a minimum or completely inhibited discharge to a maximum, thereby enabling a line separation of the materials being treated.

in carrying out my invention the wall ll of t is receptacle or stratifier 10 may be of any suitable height and may be formed with any suitable number of rows of peripheral discharge slots 42. In some instances only a single row of the slots may be necessary, but any desired plurality of rows of such slots may be provided, as-occasion may require.

@ther changes in the arrangen'ient and form of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention, such for example as the number of magnets rovided for each ring, it being obvious that while I have shown a single magnet carried by the ring, any suitable number of such magnets may be arranged in series, the same being true as to the magnets carried by the rotary frame. I therefore do not limit m' selt to the exact arrangement and construction shown, but may employ such changes in the construction and arrangement of the parts as come within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a separator a rotary receptacle having an outlet through which materials may be discharged from said receptacle by cen tritugal force upon rotation of the said receptacle, an annulus encircling said recep tacle adapted to receive the materials discharged trom said outlet, means for rotating said annulus to effect discharge of materials therefrom by centrifugal force, means for shifting said annulus independent of rotation thereof, and means operable by such shifting of the annulus for regulating the discharge of materials from said receptacle.

2. In a separator, a rotary receptacle having a discharge outlet through which mate rials in the receptacle may be discharged by centrifugal force on rotation of the receptacle, an annulus encircling said receptacle adapted to receive the materials discharged from said outlet, means for supporting said annulus independent of said receptacle. means adap'ed to regulate discharge of materials from said outlet operable byshifting said annulus, means for shifting said annulus, and means for rotating said annulus to effect the discharge of materials therefrom.

3. In a separator, a rotary receptacle having a discharge outlet through which materials in the receptacle may be discharged by centrifugal force on rotation of the receptacle, an annulus encircling said receptacle adapted to receive the materials discharged from saidoutlet, means for supporting said annulus independent of said receptacle, means adapted to regulate discharge of materials from said outlet operable by shifting said annulus, means for shifting said annulus, and means for rotatingsaid annulus to effect the discharge of materials therefrom, adapted to be operated to. maintain the annulus stationary or cause it to rotate at various speeds to vary the rate of the discharge of materials therefrom. 7

l. In a separator, a rotary receptacle having a discharge outlet through which the materials in the receptacle may be ejected on rotation of the receptacle, an annulus encircling the receptacle adapted to receive the materials discharged therefrom, means for rotating said annulus relative to said receptacle, and means operable by a relative movement of the receptacle and annulus for agitating materials carried on the latter and to facilitate discharge of the materials from said annulus.

5. In a separator, a rotary receptacle having an outlet through which materials may be discharged from the receptacle, a rotary annulus encircling said receptacle adapted to receive the materials discharged from the latter, and means for operatively connecting the annulus and receptacle whereby the annulus may be rotated in unison with or at variable speeds relative to said receptacle.

6. In a separator, arota ry receptacle having an outlet through which materials may be discharged from the receptacle, a rotary annulus encircling said. receptacle adapted to receive the materials discharged from the latter, means for operatively connecting the annulus and receptacle whereby the annulus may berotated in unison with or at variable speeds relative to said receptacle, and means whereby saidannulus may be rotated independently of said receptacle either in. unison therewith or at various speeds greater or less than the peripheral speed of the receptacle.

7. In a separator, a rotary receptaclehaving. a discharge outlet through which materials in said receptacle may 'be ejected, a rotary annulus encircling said receptacle adapted to receive the materials discharged from the receptacle, means for vertically ad materials discharged through said outlet,"

and electro-Inagnetic means for operatively connecting said annulus to said receptacle. 9. In aseparator, a rotary receptacle hav- 'ing a discharge outlet, a rotary annulus encircling said receptacle adapted to receive materials discharged through said outlet, electro-magnetic means for operatively connecting said annulus to said receptacle, a rotary support for said annulus movable independently thereof, and electro-magnetic means for operatively collecting said annulus to said support whereby said annulus may be rotated independently of said re cep-tacle.

10. In a separator, a rotary receptacile having a discharge outlet, a rotary annulus adapted to receive materials discharged through said annulus, an electro-magnet adapted when energized to operatively connect the annulus and receptacle whereby rotation of the receptacle will efi'ectrotation of the annulus, andmeans for varying the attractive force of said electro-magnet.

11. In a separator, a rotary receptacle having a discharge outlet, a rotary annulus adapted to receive materials discharged through said annulus, an electro-magnet adapted When energized to operatively connect the annulus and receptacle whereby rotation of the receptacle will effect rotation of the annulus, means for varying the attractive force of said electro-magnet, a'

rotary support for said annulus movable independently of the latter, and an electromagnet for operatively connecting the annulus to said support whereby the annulus may be rotated independently of the receptacle. i

12. In a separator, a rotary receptacle having a discharge outlet, a rotary annulus adapted to receive materials discharged through said annulus, an electro-magnet adapted when energized to operatively connect the annulus and receptacle whereby rotation of the receptacle will effect rotation of the annulus, means for varying the attractive force of said electro-magnet, a ro tary support for said annulus movable inde pendently of the latter, an eleetro-magnet for operatively connecting the annulus to said support whereby the annulus maybe rotated independently of the receptacle, and means for .varying the attractive force of said last named electromagnet.

13. In a separator, a rotary receptacle having a discharge outlet, an annulus encircling said receptacle, adapted to receive materials discharged from said outlet, a rotary support for said annulus movable independently of the latter, and an electromagnet for operatively connecting said annulus to said support.

14. In a separator, a rotary receptacle having an outlet, a rotary annulus adapted to receive materials discharged from said outlet, a rotary support for said annulus revoluble independently-of the latter, electromagnetic means for operatively connecting said annulus to. said receptacle, electro-- magnetic means for connecting said annulus to said support, and means for shifting said annulus independently of the rotation thereof relative to the discharge outlet for regulating the passage of materials through said outlet.

15. In a separator, a rotary receptacle mounted to turn on a vertical axis, having a series of spaced superposed outlets, rifile rings encircling said receptacle opposite each of said outlets and adapted to receive materials discharged through said outlet, and means for rotating said rings at corresponding or variable speeds relative to each other and relative to said receptacle.

16. In a separator, a rotary receptacle mounted to turn on a vertical axis, having a series of spaced superposed outlets, riflle rings encircling said receptacle opposite each of said outlets and adapted to receive materials discharged through said outlet, means for rotating said rings at corresponding or variable speeds relative to each other and relative to said receptacle, means whereby said rings may be raised or lowered relative to the receptacle, and means whereby said rings will operate to regulate the flow of materials from said receptacle.

17. In a separator, a rotary receptacle mounted to turn on a vertical axis and having a series of superposed discharge outlets through Which materials in the receptacle may be ejected by centrifugal force on rotation ofthe receptacle, and means for collecting the materials ejected from each of said outlets operative to regulate the flow of materials through said outlets.

18. In a separator, a rotary receptacle mounted to turn on a vertical axis, having a series of superposed discharge outlets, a rotary rilfle ring encircling said receptacle arranged opposite each outlet and adapted to receive the materials discharged from the outlet, a rotary frame encompassing said receptacle and turnable independently thereof, means for supporting said rings on said frame, whereby the rings may be rotated independently of the latter, means whereby said rings may close or vary the extent of opening of the outlets on verticaladjustment of the rings relative to the receptacle, means for raising and lowering said frame to effect vertical adjustment of said rings, and means whereby the rings may be operatively connected to either or both the receptacle or frame.

19. In a separator, a rotary receptacle mounted to turn on a vertical axis, having a series of superposed discharge outlets, a rotary rifile ring encircling said receptacle arranged opposite each outlet and adapted to' receive the materials discharged from the outlet, a rotary frame encompassing said receptacle and turnable independently thereof, means for supporting said rings on saic frame, whereby the rings may be rotated independently of the latter, means whereby said rings may close or vary the extent of opening of the outlets on vertical adjustment of the rings relative to the receptacle, means for raising and lowering said frame to effect vertical adjustment of said rings, and means whereby the rings may be operatively connected to either or both the receptacle or frame adapted to permit variable rotary movement of the rings relative to the receptacle or frame.

20. In a separator, a rotary receptacle mounted to turn on a vertical axis, having a series of superposed discharge outlets, a rotary riftle ring encircling said receptacle arranged opposite each outlet and adapted to receive the materials discharged from the outlet, a rotary frame encompassing said receptacle and turnable independently thereof, means for supporting said rings on said frame, whereby the rings may be rotated independently of the latter, means whereby said rings may close or vary the extent of opening of the outlets on vertical adjustment of the rings relative to the receptacle, means for raising and lowering said frame to effect vertical adjustment of said rings, means whereby the rings may be operatively connected to either or both the receptacle or frame adapted to permit variable rotary movement of the rings relative to the receptacle or frame, and means whereby the rings may have variable rotary movement relative to each other.

21. A separator comprising a rotary receptacle mounted to turn on a vertical axis and having a series of superposed discharge outlets, means for rotating said receptacle, a frame encompassing said receptacle mounted for vertical movement relative th'ereto, means for adjusting said frame vertically, a series of rings carried by said frame and rotatable independently thereof there being a ring arranged opposite each discharge outlet, said rings adapted to regulate the discharge of materials from said outlets on vertical adjustment ofthe frame, and said rings adapted to receive the materials ejected from said receptacle.

lllil 22. A separator comprising a rotary receptacle mounted to turn on a vertical axis and having a series of superposed discharge outlets, means for rotating said receptacle, a frame encompassing said r ceptacle mounted for vertical movement relative thereto, means for adjusting said frame vertically, a series of rings carried by said frame and rotatable independently thereof there being a ring arranged opposite each discharge outlet, said rings dapted to regulate the discharge of materials from said outlets on vertical adjustment of the frame, and said rings adapted to receive the materials ejected from. said receptacle, and means whereby the rings may have variable rotary movement relative to each other.

23. A separator com arising a rotary receptacle mounted to turn on a vertical axis and having; a series of superposed discharge outlets, means for rotating sale receptacle, a frame encompassing said receptacle mounted for vertical movement relative theretc, means for adjusting said i ame vertically, a series of rings carried by said frame and rotatable independently thereof there being a ring ananged opposite each discharge outlet, said rings adapted to regulate the discharge of materials from said outlets on vertical adjustment of the frame, and said rings adapted to receive the materials ejected from said receptacle, and means whereby the rings may have variable rotary movement relative to each other said last named means being operative to permitthe rings being rotated in unison. with the receptacle or at variable speeds relative thereto.

24. A separator comprising a rotary receptacle mounted to turn on a vertical axis and having a series of superposed discharge outlets, means for rotating said receptacle, :1 frame encompassing said receptacle 1nonnt ed for vertical movement relative thereto, means for adjusting said frame vertically, a series of rings carried by said frame and rotatable independently thereof there being a ring); arranged opposite each discharge outlet, said. rings adapted to regulate the discharge of materials from said outlets on vertical adjustniient of the frame, and said rings adapted to receive materials ejected from said receptacle, means whereby the rings may have variable rotary movement relative to each other, said last named means being operative to permit the rings being rotated in unison With the receptacle or at variable speeds relative thereto, and means whereby said rings may be operatively connected to said frame whereby rotation of the rings may be effected independently of the receptacle at a speed of travel exceeding that of the receptacle.

25. In a separator, a rotary receptacle having a horizontal discharge outlet through which materials in said receptacle may be ejected, a rotary annulus encircling said receptacle adapted to receive the materials discharged from the receptacle having a Wall extending close to the external wall of the receptacle opposite the discharge outlet forming a space bet veen the receptacle and annulus in which materials discharged from the receptacle may accumulate and oppose the passage of materials from said outlet, and means whereby said annulus and discharge outlet may be relatively adjusted vertically to regulate the flow of materials from said outlet.

KNIGHT W. GALE. 

